TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction 1
- Chapter One: Shiba Inu Facts and Descriptions 3
- General Information 3
- Brief History 4
- Dog Breed Characteristics 4
- Chapter Two: Choosing and Acquiring a Shiba Inu 7
- Choosing Your Puppy 8
- Where to Get a Shiba Inu 10
- Identifying Good Breeders 15
- Who is a Good Breeder? 16
- Questions to Ask a Shiba Inu Breeder 20
- Questions from a Shiba Inu Breeder 23
- Chapter Three: Preparing for Your Shiba Inu 27
- Supplies and Equipment Needed 27
- Dog-proofing Your Home 34
- Chapter Four: Feeding Your Shiba Inu 37
- How Much Food Does Your Shiba Inu Need? 38
- Essential Nutrients Needed by the Shiba Inu 39
- Protein 39
- Healthy Fats 40
- Carbohydrates 41
- Fiber 41
- Other Essential Vitamins and Minerals 42
- What the Shiba Inu Diet Should Not Contain? 42
- Basics of Feeding the Shiba Inu 44
- Is it Safe to Feed a Shiba Inu Human Food? 47
- Chapter Five: Grooming Your Shiba Inu 51
- Skin and Coat 51
- Brushing and Combing 53
- Bathing 55
- Teeth 57
- Nails 59
- Eyes and Ears 61
- Chapter Six: Training and Behavior Modification 63
- Housebreaking Your Puppy 63
- What to Expect 64
- How to Housebreak Your Puppy 65
- Crate Training 66
- Umbilical Training 68
- Using a Bell at the Door 69
- Teaching Your Puppy to Follow Commands 69
- Basic Commands 74
- Sit 74
- Stay 75
- Down 76
- Come 77
- Off 78
- Drop 79
- Leave 80
- Gently 80
- Speak 81
- Putting the Basics Together 81
- Separation Anxiety 82
- Causes and Signs Of Separation Anxiety 83
- What To Watch Out For 86
- Why Punishment Won’t Work 87
- Preparation and Socialization 89
- How To Leave And Return 93
- Leaving When Using A Crate 95
- Some Other Useful Tips 96
- The 10 Steps To Help Separation Anxiety 97
- Common Behavior Problems 98
- Jumping up on Other People 99
- Destructive Chewing 101
- Pulling on the Leash 103
- The Puppy Doesn’t Want to Walk on the Leash 105
- Too Much Roughhousing with the Puppy 106
- Fearfulness 108
- The Escape Artist 109
- Too Much Whining and Barking 111
- Being on the Furniture 114
- Digging 115
- Chapter Seven: Vet Care for Your Shiba Inu 119
- Signs of Illness 120
- Bad Breath 120
- Drooling 120
- Loss of Appetite 121
- Excessive Thirst 121
- Changes in Urination 121
- Skin Problems 122
- Lethargy 122
- Common Diseases/Illnesses 122
- Finding a Good Vet 128
- Vaccinations 129
- Educate Yourself About Common Canine Diseases and Viruses 131
- Be Aware That Allergies Can Adversely Affect Your Dog’s Health 131
- Spaying and Neutering 132
- Pet Health Insurance 133
- Chapter Eight: Showing Your Shiba Inu 135
- Showing Shiba Inu Dogs 136
- What to Know Before You Show 137
- Preparing Your Dog for Show 139
- Chapter Nine: Breeding Your Shiba Inu 141
- Choosing Dogs To Breed 142
- Health 143
- Clearances 143
- Registration 143
- Temperament 144
- Bloodlines 144
- Age 144
- Physical Traits 145
- Breeding your Shiba Inu 146
- The Heat 147
- Natural or Artificial? 148
- When to Breed 149
- The Act of Breeding 151
- Is She Pregnant? 153
- Whelping your Pups 155
- Whelping Supplies 155
- Before Labor 158
- First Stage Labor 158
- Second Stage of Labor 159
- Third Stage of Labor 160
- Raising Puppies 162
- Puppy Development 168
- Conclusion 173
- Glossary of Terms 175
- Index 181
- Photo Credits 189
- References 193
